Jason's Experience at SASG

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I first heard about Seoul Art Space Geumcheon (SASG) from a fellow curator who recommended the new curatorial residency as I was looking for a location in South Korea to conduct research. Upon arriving at the space which is housed in a recently renovated factory complete with an adjacent warehouse, I was impressed at the extensive facilities provided to the residents that included a new media lab, a lecture room that can be used for presentations or screenings, a gallery on the top floor, and the large warehouse that doubles as a workshop with a wide range of machines that can also be utilized as an exhibition space.



The diverse inhabitants at the residency were composed of a mixture of international artists and Korean artists. Together they formed a critical community that was primarily engaged in the ongoing social, political and economic transformations.



A large kitchen shared by the all of the residents was a central meeting point for sharing a conversation, coffee or meal. The complex also had a number of other common areas which provide a variety of spaces to meet. The staff works onsite and was always very helpful and attentive to the needs of the residents. While I was there they also invited me to a number of museum and gallery openings, and provided numerous introductions to assist me in my research.



The artists' studios are spacious and international residents are provided with both a room and a separate studio. The accommodation for curators consist of a live – in studio which is modest but ample.



SASG is located in a mixed industrial and residential neighborhood that at one time was a center for small-scale manufacturing. I found most basic necissities were a short walk away. Accessing the rest of Seoul is easy as there are two metro lines close to the center.



Overall my stay at SASG was a memorable and productive experience. The staff and the artistic practices that converge at the space make this one of the most interesting residencies in Asia.



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Jason Waite is an independent curator and writer. He was the co-curator of the 4th Young Artists’ Biennial in Bucharest and the founder of the nomadic exhibition, the International Guerrilla Video Festival, that aims to integrate art into the urban social landscape. Previously, he has worked with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, Cittadellarte-Fondazione Pistoletto, Italy and Independent Curators International, New York and has contributed to a number of catalogues and magazines. He holds an MA in Art and Politics from Goldsmiths College, University of London.





Selected Projects:

2011 Producing Censorship, New York, Invisible Dog & Milan, Fabbrica del Vapore
2011 State of Unrest: Northern Iraq, London, no.w.here.
2010 4th Biennial of Young Artists – Police the Police, Bucharest
2009 International Guerrilla Video Festival, Dublin
2008 International Guerrilla Video Festival, Milan